NOAH KNOWS: Five Things to Love About Lakes of the North
By Greg Johnson –
Every golf course has something that makes it memorable. At Lakes of the North Golf Course, new head golf professional and director of golf Noah Kole believes it is a combination of northern Michigan beauty, outstanding course conditions, genuine hospitality and exceptional value.
While the 27-year-old Midland native is new to Lakes of the North, he isn’t new to the area. Kole moved with his family to Gaylord in his teens, and his first job in golf was at Michaywe’ Pines Golf Course, another member of the Gaylord Golf Mecca.
He has hit the ground golfing in his new job and shared five reasons he believes Lakes of the North Golf Course deserves a spot on every Gaylord Golf Mecca trip.
#1
“The course is that peak type of northern Michigan course where you might see a few houses back in the trees while playing the front nine, but most of the time you have that out-in-nature up north feel. It really is everything you look for in a northern Michigan getaway spot.”
#2
“Our golf course is in wonderful condition, and it starts with our greens. They are something (Superintendent Daryn Hoogerhyde) puts emphasis on and takes great pride in. Consistency is the thing. From green to green, you get the same consistent roll and great conditioning. Of course, there are also the striped fairways, the flat tee boxes and much more. The course is Daryn’s baby, and the golfers get the benefit.”
#3
“It’s cool to have a course set in the woods in northern Michigan that also tips out to over 7,000 yards. There are not that many of them. You can play as far back as you want or move up to 5,000 yards. The course is a great challenge, but also versatile enough to let you pick the yardage that fits your game. We have two distinctly different nines, too. They offer different feels and give you a couple of different experiences in the same round. It keeps it fun and interesting as well as a challenge.”
#4
“I believe in hospitality, and it is a point of emphasis for us. We have this great spot in northern Michigan; it is a beautiful, relaxing and friendly nature spot. So, I think it then comes down to making people feel welcome and like every interaction was positive, along with playing a great round of golf. We hammer home greeting guests as they arrive at the bag drop and cleaning their clubs. Inside is the same thing, we make them feel at home. Our restaurant, Settings, is popular year-round because we have great food and great, friendly service.”
#5
“We know that affordability is not that easy to find these days, but it’s something we really care about providing. We want our members who live here to feel that, and we want the people who visit to enjoy a great experience without breaking the bank. We are rare in a resort area, but the Gaylord Golf Mecca is rare in resort golf. It has options like our course, and you know we are going to be an affordable option. We want repeat business.
Noah’s list is a good place to start, but the best way to appreciate Lakes of the North is to experience it for yourself. Add it to your next Gaylord Golf Mecca golf trip and discover why so many golfers return year after year.
